Popular television actor Tawsif Mahbub, known for his performances in a wide range of roles, is set to appear in a completely different avatar.
The actor is playing a pilot in director Shihab Shaheen’s upcoming production, Cafe Umbrella.
The role required Tawsif to adopt the appearance of a professional pilot.
Dressed in a white shirt, tie, black trousers and a black cap, with a pilot’s badge on his chest and dark sunglasses, his appearance looked so convincing that he was difficult to recognise as an actor at first glance.
Tawsif recently spoke about his experience of entering the airport in a pilot’s uniform while travelling from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar on Monday morning.
He said the experience led to several amusing moments.
“I have had the opportunity to step into many different characters during my acting career,” Tausif said. “I cannot explain how much joy such opportunities give me.”
Speaking about entering the domestic airport dressed as a pilot, he said, “When I entered the domestic airport wearing a pilot’s uniform, people around me could not realise that I was Tawsif Mahbub.”
“I was receiving the same respect as a pilot. Even people who regularly watch my work were confused about whether I was a pilot or actor Tawsif Mahbub. Everyone looked at me two or three times. I really enjoyed it.”
Tawsif said he deliberately spent some time among the public to enjoy the experience.
“I deliberately walked around among people to enjoy the fun,” he said. “I looked at the uniforms worn by Bangladeshi pilots and had the outfit customised according to my body measurements.”
The actor also spoke about how wearing the uniform made him feel.
“After wearing this uniform, I can understand how much respect this profession commands and how proud it is to be associated with it,” Tawsif said. “Because I was wearing this uniform, I also received some respect.”
Cafe Umbrella centres on relationships, love and emotions.
The production will feature several parallel storylines, with three or four separate stories connecting with one another.
Although the title includes the word “cafe”, the romance and drama production is not centred on a restaurant or food.
Instead, it will explore different aspects of human relationships, feelings and emotions.
The final stages of filming are currently underway at several locations, including Cox’s Bazar Airport.
Tawsif Mahbub is appearing opposite Lux star Bidushi Barnita for the first time in the production.
The cast also includes Nazah Nawar, Amina Islam, Partha Sheikh and Arefin Jilani, among others.
Cafe Umbrella is expected to be released soon on the OTT platform iScreen.
